The house also features a hot tub on the second-floor deck, a modern entertainment living room with a large, flat screen television for movie watching and a lovely terraced back garden with a gazebo. Winter Park Chateau enjoys a prime downtown location within walking distance to many restaurants, cafés, and bars, as well as nightclubs. It is within walking distance of the ski mountain and close to four championship golf courses and Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you make the quick jaunt to Denver’s neighbor-to-the-north, start with the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Debuting in November 2012, the museum features over interactive 100 exhibits and activities such as the Music & Sound Lab, where physics, technology, history and hands-on playing and composing lead to inspiration. The Environmental Learning Center is a 212-acre site comprised of four distinct ecosystems – wetlands, riparian, cottonwood forest and prairie – and offers plenty of programs for kids. The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program takes in injured birds of prey, and welcomes visitors interested in their rehabilitation and release. Want a free ride? The Fort Collins Bike Library loans bicycles to visitors and residents, from one hour to seven days, at no charge.
This three-story, immaculately furnished lodge can sleep up to 30 people and is located mere minutes from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. It can be divided into two different suites for smaller groups. Overlooking the tranquil Trout Pond, the lodge has everything you need for a perfect family reunion, wedding, retreat or any large gathering.
The saloon serves all meals using organically grown local ingredients, including lamb, fruit and vegetables. Local and international wines complement the meals. Throughout the year, Dunton offers special programs, such as Fly Fishing School, Yoga Retreats and Equestrian Adventure. Ask about special programs and packages when booking. The resort is located one hour from Telluride and Cortez, two hours from Durango, 7 hours from Denver, and 5 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rates start from $1,100 per night for a cabin, including all meals, non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited use of hot springs. The entire town and its facilities can be rented exclusively for $10,000 per day and can accommodate 34 people. All meals, non alcoholic beverages and unlimited use of the library, screening room, and hot springs are included.
Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut during mating season. And those brave enough to venture into the cold during the winter are treated to snowscapes unlike any other, as the park is open year-round.
After your fireside meal, retreat to one of the private, wooden hot tubs tucked in the middle of the woods. A hand-held stroll along the forest path to a bubbling tub overlooking the city's lights will set the perfect mood. Take it to the next level and request a night's stay in the old firehouse on the tip-top of the mountain. There's no better view — maybe anywhere in the state.
Update on Jan. 14, 2019: A Rocky Mountain National Park spokesman said Monday the park began using recreation fees to temporarily pay about 10 percent of furloughed workers to clean up the park. They’ve been plowing roads, cleaning restrooms and collecting trash since Saturday. Other staff, such as law enforcement rangers, continue to work without pay during the shutdown. The park is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, said Kyle Patterson, a Park spokesman who is on furlough.
